"It can be argued that it's our national dish, so why keep it all in Quebec? That's not fair. This one week is dedicated to our favourite comfort food — we can burn the calories later," says La Poutine Week co-founder Na'eem Adam.

And while some restaurants haven't shown off their secret poutines just yet, several joints have already put their menu items online. Some highlights include a Toronto sushi bar with a caramelized kimchi, beef tongue and Japanese mayo poutine, and an Ottawa pub featuring a poutine made with pulled pork, pork meatballs, cheese with bacon bits, topped with a Jack Daniels sauce. And yes, there are a few veggie options as well.

Adam says he plans to involve other Canadian cities in the years to come and hopes Feb. 1 can officially become Canada's National Poutine Day. Think about it, a day off to eat poutine? We dig it. So, will you be participating this year with your bellies? Let us know in the comments below.